by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

Coach Steve Masiello has been placed on leave by Manhattan College as the former Louisville assistant reviews the status of his degree.

Masiello never graduated from the University of Kentucky, the school's registrar office confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday.

Masiello indicated on his résumé that he earned a degree in communications from Kentucky, but the University of South Florida learned this information was incorrect when conducting a background check during Masiello's candidacy for its coaching vacancy. Manhattan College issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon that acknowledged the discrepancy.

The Bulls confirmed Wednesday that they had an agreement in principle to lure Masiello away from Manhattan, but that the contract was contingent on "a verification of credentials."

"Through the verification process it was determined the candidate's credentials could not be substantiated and therefore he did not meet the requirements for the position," USF said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon

Masiello's bio on Manhattan's website incorrectly states the coach graduated from Kentucky in 2000 with a degree in communications. Masiello, 39, played for the Wildcats from 1996-2000 under coach Rick Pitino and then Tubby Smith.

"If it's accurate, I'm shocked by it," former Kentucky coach Pitino, whose team beat Manhattan in the second round of the NCAA tournament last week, said via ESPN.com. "I had no idea. I left the previous year, and he was on track to graduate."

Masiello has a 61-39 record in three seasons at Manhattan. The Jaspers went 28-5 this season, which ended with a loss to Louisville in the NCAA tournament.